261. Alexis Leigh | Pain is a Portal to Beauty: Stunning Discoveries After Loss, Psychedelics, and Feeling It All

Join us for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview James Shin, author of The Leader’s Soul.James is the Founder and CEO of Blue Koi Global Partners and holds a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from Penn State. With more than 25 years leading rapid, sustainable growth across global markets, he’s known for transforming operations, supply chains, and procurement while developing leaders who can carry the mission forward.In this episode, you’ll learn how to define what “good” looks like and lead with a long-term view, how great leaders “take arrows” to protect their teams while building a strong pipeline of future leaders, and simple weekly practices—reading, reflection, travel, time in nature, and with family—that sharpen judgment and resilience.We hope enjoy this incredible conversation with James Shin.To Learn More about James and buy his book visit: The Book:https://a.co/d/gh0uSsLWebsite/Socials:https://www.bluekoiglobal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-j-shin/https://www.instagram.com/james.j.shin/Chapters: 1:26 What is true, good leadership?4:38 The effectiveness of reading as a learning method11:06 You can tell a leader by counting the number of arrows in his ass12:59 Fundamental leadership principles14:13 How to grow drastically as a young leader18:00 How traveling helps you understand people20:34 Culture shocks between Corea & The U.S.A22:47 Lessons from slowing down in nature25:50 What James has learned from his family27:55 Finding ways to spend more time with your children29:50 The effect of developing new leaders31:12 The biggest mistake James has made as a leader34:25 Where to connect with James and his work35:13 Final thoughts & advice________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠⁠⁠⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠⁠⁠⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Derek Coburn, author of Let’s Retire Retirement: How to Enjoy Life to the Fullest — Now and Later.Derek is a USA Today bestselling author, entrepreneur, and financial advisor with over twenty-five years of experience helping clients design lives so fulfilling they’ll never want to retire from them. He’s the cofounder of CADRE, a professional community for CEOs and entrepreneurs, and the author of the acclaimed Networking Is Not Working.In this episode, you’ll learn why you should question everything you’ve been told about the traditional path to retirement, how to balance ambition and presence so you don’t miss life’s most important moments, and why flexibility—not flashy possessions—might just be the ultimate status symbol.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Derek Coburn.To Learn More about Derek and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/7PodfIuWebsite/Socials: https://www.derekcoburn.com/https://www.cadredc.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekcoburn/Chapters: 1:27 Derek’s father blueprint on Derek’s life & work4:06 Regret reduction & navigating through stages of life9:13 Building memories & relationships you’ll keep for the rest of your life13:21 Flexibility is the ultimate flex18:01 You gotta have meaning & purpose in your life21:14 Extending your working-life is a financial & health hack26:16 The concept of retirement is barely 100 years old29:50 The future of retirement31:53 The positive effects of AI on work & introspection opportunities36:24 Where to connect with Derek36:48 Don’t rely on assumptions to plan your life, enjoy it now________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Samantha Woo, author of What Other Leadership Books Don’t Tell You: How to Lead & Manage Highly-Emotional Employees.Samantha is a leadership coach, Certified Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapist, and founder of the E.M.B.R.A.C.E.® method. She blends neuroscience, clinical therapy, and trauma-informed coaching to help tech leaders and executives navigate the people problems no one talks about.In this episode, you’ll learn how trauma shows up at work—and why most leaders are unprepared for it, why emotional intelligence isn’t something you teach with a slide deck, and what it really takes to support both high-performing and hypo-aroused employees in today’s workplace.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Samantha Woo.To Learn More about Samantha and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/iJol27kWebsite/Socials: https://www.swnconsultingllc.com/https://www.instagram.com/samantha.s.woo/https://x.com/SWNconsultingChapters: 0:00 Intro1:22 Why people live unhappy for 90,000 hours in their lives3:07 Root causes of dissatisfaction at work5:22 The impact of remote & virtual work7:40 Empathy and recognizing not-work-related problems of your team11:37 Practical tips for leaders to keep your team happy13:05 Everybody’s overwhelmed in some way18:19 Dealing with work-induced mental health problems21:54 The rise of problems in the modern workplace25:19 Talking about emotional intelligence & the EQ at work30:41 The adoption of AI & its impact in business decisions34:18 Exhale & step back to become more emotionally intelligent36:27 What makes a good leader (The Growth & Spiritual Mindset)41:02 Where to connect with Samantha and get the book41:44 We’re all in this together________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website.

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Philip Portman, author of The Three Keys to Success: Define Your Version of Success and Achieve It.Phil is a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of TextDrip, and a proud member of the Forbes Technology Council. He’s launched multiple startups in automation and communications, he helps businesses scale with AI-driven solutions, and even owns a horse farm in Michigan focused on employee well-being.In this episode, you’ll learn how redefining success can help you break free from hustle culture, why writing down your goals isn’t just motivational—it’s transformational, and how building self-confidence might be the most underrated driver of success.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Philip Portman.To Learn More about Philip and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/6SbH8QkWebsite/Socials: https://philportman.com/https://www.instagram.com/phil.portmanhttps://www.facebook.com/philportmanhttps://twitter.com/philportmanhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/philportman/https://www.youtube.com/@successispodcastChapters: 0:00 Intro1:23 The influence of Phil’s mom raising him and his 6 siblings3:15 The pursuit of approval limits intelligent decisions12:59 Having balance, time-freedom and making a difference18:36 The reason why you work hard20:43 Slowing down to achieve more23:20 Defining & sharing your goals with a goal-partner27:06 100 Goals to tell your life where you want to go29:59 Phil’s most ambitious accomplishment33:26 Habits of high-achievers (exercise & reading)36:13 Discipline & the habit of saying “no”39:19 Building self-confidence & pursuing discomfort43:28 To slow down time, get uncomfortable45:15 Connect with Philip & get the book!46:44 Phil’s book suggestions49:16 You are far more capable than you realize________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠⁠⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠⁠⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠⁠⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Alexis Leigh, author of Pain is a Portal to Beauty: Stunning Discoveries After Loss, Psychedelics, and Feeling It All.Alexis is an investment banker turned seeker. She brings a unique blend of grounded insight and soulful storytelling to her debut memoir, where she traces her journey through grief, inner work, and spiritual awakening. With warmth, curiosity, and honesty, Alexis invites us to rethink what it means to heal, to feel, and to live more fully.In this episode, you’ll learn how slowing down and noticing your internal world can lead to profound breakthroughs, why authentic gratitude must be rooted in truth, and how facing even the subtlest discomforts can unlock deeper self-love, healing, and joy.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Alexis Leigh.To Learn More about Alexis and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/1hzQkzRWebsite/Socials: https://www.alexisleigh.com/Chapters: 0:00 Intro0:53 “If you died today, your life would have been a tragedy”3:01 Toxic gratitude and how to honor truth9:43 Being patient with yourself and your journey12:06 David Hawkins on repressed emotions13:13 Alexis’s advice on improving self-acceptance16:38 From Christianity to psychedelics20:45 Journaling as a tool to connect the outside & inside24:17 Slowing down not to default to coping mechanisms24:55 Fasting as a form of therapy26:29 Start the inner work by shutting down stimuli & noticing things31:11 Being able to be at peace with your thoughts & emotions37:33 “You can do nothing better for me than work on yourself”38:19 You can always come back to the work when you feel the need for it39:30 Nick’s & Alexis’s first experience with psychedelics43:13 Sometimes in nothingness you find your way to healing________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Emily Mendenhall, author of Unmasked: COVID, Community, and the Case of Okoboji. Emily is a medical anthropologist, professor at Georgetown University, and award-winning author whose research explores the intersections of health, culture, and politics. Her work has taken her from the hospital wards of Chicago to the villages of South Africa—and ultimately back to her hometown of Okoboji, Iowa during the height of the pandemic.In this episode, you’ll learn how to approach polarizing topics with curiosity instead of judgment, what the COVID pandemic revealed about collective identity and shame, and why public health isn’t just about protocols—it’s about people, empathy, and community trust.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Emily Mendenhall.To Learn More about Emily and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/h3uou4JWebsite/Socials: https://www.emilymendenhall.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-mendenhall-268b255https://www.youtube.com/@mendenhall_emhttps://twitter.com/mendenhall_emChapters: 0:00 Intro1:23  Anthropology & using it to study COVID5:53  Experiencing the pandemic in different cities9:09  Understanding the complex layers of events like the 2020 pandemic12:50 Shame and subconscious survival mechanisms14:42 Contrast between local culture & different communities17:02 Social consequences vs Business consequences22:48 An anthropologist’s view on the effects of social media25:25 How to deal with opposing perspectives and opinions35:12 Leadership in schools & the education system39:02 Emily’s future work40:09 How your decisions affect people around you in the long‑run41:10 The effects of virtual learning & education during the pandemic43:11 Emily’s perspective shifts after publishing the book47:52 The importance of long‑form content for deep understanding________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Angela Jamieson, author of Using No. 2 to Get to No. 1: The Shockingly Insightful, Full-of-Crap Self-Help Book.This is a fun one! Angela is a retired petroleum engineer turned unapologetic poop philosopher. She’s a speaker, writer, and cofounder of the School of Human Kind, known for blending science, humor, and heart to help people live more joyful, relaxed, and purpose-driven lives.In this episode, you’ll learn how to release emotional constipation and find clarity, why relaxed productivity beats burnout every time, and how to stop comparing your life to others and finally enjoy your own path.We hope you enjoy this fun conversation with Angela Jamieson.To Learn More about Angela and buy her book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/6fcSWoRFREEBIE: https://www.angelajamieson.com/5regretsfreeWebsite: https://www.angelajamieson.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angejamiesonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelajamiesonfungFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=615604697740110:00 Intro1:26 Experiences from Angela’s youth that led to her book  5:33 Angela’s personal development influences  6:51 Learning to care for each other and to see the human side  11:16 Only you know what is going on in your life & digestive system  13:51 Abraham Hicks, Infinite Intelligence & Inner Engineering  20:36 Angela’s unique experience in Somalia  23:01 The small things are the big things  24:31 Tips on avoiding mental & emotional constipation  28:06 The joy of life is in the contrast, embrace it  33:21 Compassion & acceptance  35:20 Final flush: celebrate who you are  ________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Rick Walker, author of 9 Steps to Build a Life of Meaning: How to Unlock Your Mind, Happiness, Power, and Your Enemies’ Demise.Rick is a high-impact founder, philosopher, and private equity leader who built a 400-person company by age 26, scaled a 2,000+ team member nonprofit across 53 countries, and helped bring $5 billion in capital investment to his hometown. He’s advised billionaires, met privately with a U.S. President, and draws his insights from a lifetime of studying ancient texts, world religions, and strategic leadership.In this episode, you’ll learn how to escape a life of comfort that’s killing your potential, why choosing a worthy enemy is the fastest way to unlock purpose, and what it truly takes to sacrifice the present to win the future.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Rick Walker.To Learn More about Rick and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/flqGgNfWebsite/Socials: https://rickwalker.com/https://twitter.com/RickWalkerTXhttps://www.facebook.com/RickWalkerTXhttps://www.youtube.com/@rickwalkertxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rickwalkertx/Chapters: 0:00 Intro0:48 Men rarely value what they don’t earn3:35 Victimhood & what you attract5:41 Wisdom is trading short term discomfort for long term gain9:08 Choosing a worthy enemy to fight12:14 Regret as an enemy15:32 Your attention is a form of love17:51 Priorities and saying no21:06 Unmet potential as an enemy to fight23:12 Rick’s morning routine & habit system27:12 Wisdom that stands the passing of time33:08 Stories on doing what is right39:05 A warrior in a garden vs A gardener in war41:38 Having something to fight for as a country47:33 Where to connnect with Rick49:08 Hope threatens the world’s threats50:01 Rick’s book recs & biggest mentors________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Jason Su, author of The Joy of Poker: Win More With Less Stress And No Regrets.Jason is a longtime cash game pro, performance coach, and the founder of Poker With Presence. Over the last two decades, he’s coached high-level poker players, athletes, and entrepreneurs—helping them master the mental game, stay grounded under pressure, and rediscover the joy in peak performance.Whether you’re a poker enthusiast or a business professional, this conversation is packed with powerful insights that transcend the felt. You’ll learn how to cultivate emotional intelligence in high-stakes environments, the role of presence and acceptance in long-term success, and why true performance isn’t about grinding harder—it’s about being fully here.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Jason Su.To Learn More about Jason and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/2zL5DkMWebsite/Socials: https://www.pokerwithpresence.com/https://x.com/jasonbsuhttps://www.youtube.com/@pokerwithpresence Chapters: 0:00 Intro1:33   Jason’s story with poker and tennis  8:10   Being present, playful & energized  14:19  Learning to delegate  16:34  Why thinking doesn’t solve emotional problems  23:04  Improving your performance through inner work  28:52  Jason’s profits & losses in poker  30:05  Emotions are neutral  31:44  Presence is a skill & you can cultivate it  35:26  Stoicism, meditation and the delusion of control  40:21  The path of acceptance  47:34  Achievements that are sustainable and enjoyable  53:59  The importance of celebration  57:40  How clarity impacts confidence  ________________________________________________Join the world's largest non-fiction Book community!https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers/The purpose of this podcast is to connect you, the listener, with new books, new mentors, and new resources that will help you achieve more and live better. Each and every episode will feature one of the world's top authors so that you know each and every time you tune-in, there is something valuable to learn. If you have any recommendations for guests, please DM them to us on Instagram. (www.instagram.com/bookthinkers)If you enjoyed this show, please consider leaving a review. It takes less than 60-seconds of your time, and really makes a difference when I am trying to land new guests. For more BookThinkers content, check out our Instagram or our website. Thank you for your time!

Join us for ⁠BookThinkers LIVE 2025⁠! Happening November 9, 2025!⁠https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2025In today’s episode, we have the pleasure to interview Chef Aaron Young, author of ChefauChef: Feed the Dream: A Caterer’s Guide to Purpose, Profit, and People.Aaron is a personal chef, entrepreneur, and the founder of ChefauChef LLC — a catering company built on faith, family values, and heartfelt hospitality. Since 2012, he’s transformed his side hustle into a Midwest staple, serving weddings, Greek houses, corporate events, and everyday families with purpose-driven food and an unshakable belief that meals create moments.In this episode, you’ll learn how to turn your personal story into a thriving business, why fun and empathy are the secret ingredients of great leadership, and what it really takes to serve others with excellence — in food, in business, and in life.We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Chef Aaron Young.To Learn More about Chef Aaron and buy his book visit: The Book: https://a.co/d/fwbtqcMWebsite/Socials: https://www.chefauchef.com/https://www.instagram.com/chefauchef/https://www.facebook.com/chefauchefLLChttp://youtube.com/@WhamBamLNK0:00 Intro1:32  The story & meaning behind “ChefauChef”4:05  Becoming hard working because of his parents8:23  Valuing your parents & family13:34  Sharing joy and having fun15:11  Aaron’s value of fun and its impact on his business18:16  A.Y.’s first stages as a chef20:11  Lessons from a business coach22:41  Empathy, service and hospitality28:03  Creating his own catering company33:55  Natural momentum and looking for opportunities34:41  EOS & the unsexy part of running a business39:56  Where to find Aaron’s book40:46  Book Suggestion: “Fans First” & some last questions